This Drug Stops Your Heart... Kind Of

Adenosine is used by paramedics to treat supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) by rapidly slowing down the heart rate. It acts by temporarily blocking the AV node, disrupting the reentrant circuit responsible for the arrhythmia. The typical dose is 6 mg IV push, followed by a rapid saline flush. If the first dose is ineffective, a 12 mg dose can be administered.

Adenosine has a very short half-life, so its effects are seen within seconds. It’s important to monitor the patient closely as adenosine can cause transient asystole or other arrhythmias before converting to a normal rhythm.

Be great,

Evan, The Paramedic Coach

#911 #emergency #emt

[thesentry]

I saw another video about this drug and one of the comments said, "I like to think Adenosine just transfers the patients heart rate to everyone else in the room"😂😂😂

[Cartmcgee]

I was administered adenosine when I had SVT. The medics said that if my blood pressure was any lower they would’ve shocked me instead. One of the weirdest feelings I’ve ever experienced lol

[prasocyte]

You are an amazing teacher Sir!!! Keep going!! Keep saving lives!

[josephscinto]

I like how he just flipped his hat around

[leahs]

Isn't this the drug that gives a sensation of impending doom? Just what every patient wants 😂